Key result
Externalized conductors in St Jude's Riata ICD leads were identified in 3 of 179 patients (1.68%) four or more years after implantation, suggesting the defect may be more prevalent than reported.
Why the study?
What is the presentation and incidence of externalized conductors in patients with Riata ICD leads?
Case Report (n=3)
What is the presentation and incidence of externalized conductors in patients with Riata ICD leads?
The incidence of externalized conductors in Riata ICD leads may be higher than reported in device advisory letters, suggesting a need for management strategies beyond regular ICD interrogation.
May warrant enhanced surveillance of Riata leads; leaves open true prevalence and optimal management.
AIMS: Recently, concerns about St Jude's Riata lead family have come to light. We present three cases of patients with Riata internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads with externalized conductors. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients had the same insulation defect, with externalized conductors, but differed in presentation and symptoms. These cases, which form 3 of 179 (1.68%) of our total Riata lead population, presented four or more years after implantation. This may be an indication that the problem with the Riata lead may well be greater than reported in the recent St Jude Medical device advisory letter. CONCLUSION: The management of the Riata lead problem is discussed as, up until now, management of patients with an implanted Riata lead has been based on detecting electric abnormalities on regular ICD interrogation only.
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Dorman et al. (2012) conducted a case report in Patients with Riata internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads (n=3). St Jude's Riata ICD lead was evaluated on Externalized conductors (insulation defect). Externalized conductors in St Jude's Riata ICD leads were identified in 3 of 179 patients (1.68%) four or more years after implantation, suggesting the defect may be more prevalent than reported.
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